When Men Encounter a King
“The Christmas Epilogue”
Matthew 2:13-23

I. The Escape to Egypt v.13-15

Joseph and Mary were encouraged
Mary and Joseph must have been overflowing with comfort and reassurance

Their comfort quickly shattered!
Flee to Egypt! But, why Egypt?

Herod’s “not too Great” plot
“A man of great barbarity toward all men equally, and a slave to his passion.”

II. Herod’s Rage v. 16-18

Herod, outwitted by God
“He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.” (Job 5:12)

Herod’s fury
…the Feast of the Holy Innocents is born

Rachel’s weeping
Matthew links Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jer. 31:11-16) to Herod’s massacre

III. He shall be called a Nazarene v.19-23

Herod dies
Known not for what he achieved, but for what he could not achieve

Return home to Israel
Joseph, Mary and Jesus settle in Nazareth of Galilee

Three Main Characters in the Christmas Epilogue
1.	Angel of the Lord
2.	Joseph
3.	Herod

What do they teach us?

The angel of the Lord reminds me that my greatest need in life is to listen to God.

Joseph reminds me that my greatest pursuit in life is to be the person on whom God can depend.

Herod reminds me that the greatest challenges in life will not overcome me.  

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!